5 Tips to Manage Spring Allergies

As winter fades and spring arrives in Massachusetts, many people look forward to warmer temperatures, blooming trees, and longer days. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings the start of seasonal allergy season.

Tree pollen levels begin rising across the region, and for many people that means sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and fatigue.

The good news is that there are several simple strategies that may help reduce allergy symptoms and make the season more manageable. Here are five approaches to talk with your doctor during allergy season.

1. Reduce Your Pollen Exposure

One of the most effective ways to manage seasonal allergies is to limit how much pollen you come into contact with. Some helpful strategies include:

• •Check daily pollen counts and consider limiting outdoor activities when levels are high, especially in the morning
• •Keep windows closed in your home and car during peak pollen season
• •Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors to remove pollen from your skin and hair
• •Remove shoes at the door to avoid tracking pollen into the house
• •Consider using a HEPA air purifier to reduce allergens in the air indoors

Small adjustments like these may help reduce exposure and improve symptoms.

2. Use Nasal Steroid Sprays

Nasal corticosteroid sprays are a great option when trying to manage a chronically stuffy nose during allergy season. These medications work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which may help relieve:

• •Nasal congestion and a runny nose
• •Coughing from post nasal drip
• •Itchy or irritated nose

Common over-the-counter options include Fluticasone (Flonase), Triamcinolone (Nasacort), and Budesonide (Rhinocort).

"Some people only need it seasonally, for example, using it daily during the spring when pollen counts are high and then stopping once the season passes. Others have allergies throughout the year and may benefit from using it year-round."

The best approach is to talk with your doctor about what schedule makes the most sense for your symptoms.

3. Take Antihistamines for Symptom Relief

Antihistamines work by blocking the body's allergic response and may help improve symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and throat irritation. Many newer antihistamines cause less drowsiness than older medications.

Common options include Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin), and Fexofenadine (Allegra).

"If you have seasonal allergies, it can be helpful to start taking antihistamines before the season begins rather than waiting until symptoms appear. That way the medication is already in your system when pollen levels start to rise."

As always, it's important to follow the recommended dosing and talk with your doctor about the best plan for your symptoms.

4. Rinse Your Sinuses with Saline

Saline rinses can help physically remove pollen, mucus, and other allergens from the nasal passages. Options include neti pots and sinus rinse squeeze bottles. Regular sinus rinsing may help reduce nasal congestion, flush out allergens, and improve breathing.

"It may look and feel a little strange at first, but sinus rinsing is one of the most effective ways to clear out your sinuses. I often recommend it as a simple, non-medication approach people can try before starting allergy medications."

For safety, always use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water when preparing saline rinses, and follow the instructions provided with the device you are using.

5. Know When to See a Doctor

While many people manage seasonal allergies with over-the-counter treatments, there are times when it's helpful to seek medical advice. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or not improving with typical medications, a physician can help evaluate the situation and recommend additional treatment options.

In some cases, patients with more difficult allergy symptoms consider allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy. This treatment gradually exposes the immune system to small amounts of allergens over time, which may help reduce the body's allergic response.

However, allergy shots require a significant time commitment and typically involve regular injections over several years. Because of this, it's important to discuss with a physician whether this approach makes sense based on your symptoms and goals.

With the right plan, many people are able to spend less time dealing with allergy symptoms and more time enjoying the spring season.

If Seasonal Allergies Are Holding You Back

If seasonal allergies are interfering with how you feel each spring, it may be helpful to work with a physician to develop a plan that fits your health goals and lifestyle.

At Bespoke Primary Care in Wellesley, Dr. Richardson works with patients to take a proactive approach to common concerns such as allergies, sinus symptoms, and other seasonal health issues.

For those interested in learning more about the practice, a meet-and-greet visit can be scheduled to see if it may be a good fit. To get in touch, call 617-531-9503 or email contact@bespokeprimarycare.com.